Three Postdoctoral positions are offered at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) in the lab of Hannes Schuler The Schuler lab is member of the Competence Centre for Plant Health , a joint institution which consists of several research groups in the field of Biology, Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Northern Italy. We are a young and dynamic research group studying various aspects of insect-microbe interactions in a collaborative atmosphere http://hschuler.people.unibz.it. We have received funding for two new projects and are looking for three team members with different areas of expertise to join our group. Position 1: Ecology of Eriosoma lanigerum This position investigates the ecological factors influencing the biology and distribution of the woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum, a globally significant pest in apple cultivation. Despite its economic importance and adaptability across diverse regions, there are still many unknowns regarding the environmental and biological drivers of its spread and persistence. The research aims to uncover these factors, providing insights into its lifecycle, adaptation strategies, and symbiotic relationships in different ecological contexts. Position 2: Genomics of Eriosoma lanigerum This position centers on the genomic analysis of Eriosoma lanigerum to better understand its global population structure and the role of bacterial symbionts in its biology. Although the genome of E. lanigerum has recently been published, there is a lack of population genetic studies and comprehensive investigations of its symbiotic communities. The research will focus on exploring genetic diversity, population dynamics, and the influence of both primary and secondary symbionts, contributing to a deeper understanding of this pest at a genomic level. Position 3: Phytoplasma genetic screening Phytoplasmas are bacterial pathogens that cause hundreds of plant diseases affecting many important vegetables and fruit crops, thus being responsible for high yield losses worldwide. We aim to unravel genetic differences of Apple proliferation phytoplasma and its co-occurrence and spatial distribution in apple orchards in Northern Italy. For position 1 we are looking for a candidate with a background in insect ecology with experience in insect sampling and ecological experiments of insect ecology. For position 2 and 3 we are looking for candidates with strong background in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. General requirements for the position: PhD degree in Biological, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology with a multidisciplinary profile. The candidate should have excellent communication skills and should be fluent in English. The projects are expected to start in spring 2026, but the starting dates of the positions are negotiable. Application deadline is 08.01.2026 (noon) For informal inquiries, and for questions about the hiring process, please contact Hannes Schuler hannes.schuler@unibz.it All documents for the application procedure can be found here: Position 1: https://www.unibz.it/en/home/position-calls/positions-for-academic-staff/8068-plant-pathology-and-entomology-prof-schuler-hannes-pos-1?groupt Position 2: https://www.unibz.it/en/home/position-calls/positions-for-academic-staff/8069-plant-pathology-and-entomology-prof-schuler-hannes-pos-2?groupt Position 3: https://www.unibz.it/en/home/position-calls/positions-for-academic-staff/8066-general-and-applied-entomology-prof-schuler-hannes?groupp Prof. Hannes Schuler Competence Centre for Plant Health Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Universit�tsplatz 5 I-39100 Bozen-Bolzano Tel: +39 0471 017648 hannes.schuler@unibz.it http://hschuler.people.unibz.it Schuler Hannes (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)